Introduction
In the fast-paced world of digital media today, it’s not hard to see the enormous role video plays in connecting and advertising online. Whether you routinely scroll through social media, watch tutorial after tutorial or attend virtual events, video is all around us. But in 2025, there’s one big question that marketers, creators and businesses are still asking themselves: Should we make short videos or long ones?
The fact of the matter is that they both have their unique benefits. What is a better win all depends on who your audience is, what platform you work on and the outcome that you are after. We take a look at short and long-form videos, and see which might work best for you brand this year.
The Rise of Short-Form Videos
Short videos, usually 15 seconds to 3 minutes in length, have exploded in popularity on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. But in 2025, they still have us at hello.
Why Short Videos Work:
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Quick Attention Grabbers – In a world where most people have no attention span, short videos get your message across quickly.
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Very Sharable – Micro content travels further on social.
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Great for Mobile Users – The majority of users are on their phone, so quick videos fit into their schedule.
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Time / Money Saving – They’re cheaper to produce than long-form productions.
When to Use Short Videos:
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Product teasers or launches
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Behind-the-scenes clips
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Social media trends & challenges
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Quick tips or educational snippets
If you’re looking for brand awareness and reach, short-form videos are a good move.
The Power of Long-Form Videos
Long videos, however — typically 5 minutes or longer — still have a significant part to play in storytelling, education and trust building. Platforms such as YouTube, webinars and streaming services love longer form content.
Why Long Videos Work:
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Deeper Engagement – You can go deep into topics you want to explain and hold the viewer’s interest.
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More credibility – Because you took time and effort to delve into a topic, people perceive you as more credible and trustworthy.
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Better for SEO – Search engines prefer longer, useful videos that keep people on the video site.
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More Conversion Potential – With longer content, you have more room to lead viewers into leads or customers.
Ideal Long Video Use Cases:
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Tutorials or how-to guides
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Webinars and live streams
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Documentaries or brand stories
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Case studies and customer testimonials
If your aim is to build trust and convert customers, long-form videos are still plenty effective.
Short vs. Long: Who Wins in 2025?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead of choosing one over the other, the savviest brands in 2025 are integrating both formats into their strategies.
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Use short videos to catch attention, go viral and attract traffic.
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Use long videos to create depth, loyalty and sales.
Look at it this way: Short videos are the “hook,” long ones are the “value.” And when they are working together, you can create an entire customer journey — from discovery to decision.
Pro Tips for Blending the Two Formats
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Repurpose Content – Consider chopping up a long video into multiple smaller clips to reach people.
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Match the Platform – Create short videos for TikTok, Reels and Shorts; create long videos for YouTube, webinars or your website.
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Share Stories – Everyone loves a good story, no matter how long or short.
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Monitor performance – Observe watch time, engagement and conversions to determine which format resonates best with your audience.
Conclusion
By 2025, it’s not short versus long — it’s short and long. Short videos win at attracting you for seconds, and long videos win at forming relationships and trust. Between the two of them, nothing can stop your video marketing strategy.
